Members of the House Armed Services Committee responded by adding language to the defense spending bill requiring the Navy to explain the decision to substitute the raincoat for the peacoat, and to also consider the impact on the nation’s textile manufacturing industry.

It’s absolutely worth considering. Right now, Navy peacoats are made in America. They’re dyed in Philadelphia, and sewn in Massachusetts. Those businesses there have turned out a quality product for a long time, and put a lot of people to work in manufacturing.

They’re also compliant with the Berry amendment, which stipulates that food, clothing, fabrics, and specialty metals must be domestically sourced.

But this shift would negatively affect a significant number of American jobs up and down the supply chain. And a strong, diverse manufacturing base is good for our economy and our military, period.

We’re not eager to see the Navy make this change — so we'll keep an eye on developments regarding this decision. Here's a fact: The statue of the sailor at U.S. Naval Memorial in Washington, D.C. wouldn’t look nearly as cool wearing a raincoat.